Yesterday the Uzbekistan Express made its first flight to Moscow. On the first flight, together with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 22 passengers were invited, who were allowed to fly free of charge. The airline is taking off with four Airbus A320s.

The start-up marks the entry of Uzbekistan Airways into the low-cost business. In contrast to the flights that are marketed under the Mainline brand, Uzbekistan Express only offers economy class. The tariff system is also completely different because, for example, luggage and catering have to be paid extra. First of all, they want to convert numerous destinations in Russia to the low-cost concept.

For passengers, the matter is not that easy to see through, because the connections of the start-up are marketed via the homepage of Uzbekistan Airways. The planes are also designed similarly and not all of them have already got the sticker “Express” under the lettering “Uzbekistan”. Nevertheless, they are convinced that the new subsidiary can operate more cheaply and they proudly announced that the ticket prices have been reduced on those routes served by Uzbekistan Express.

So far, Uzbekistan Airways has seen itself as a so-called full-service carrier. They are now deviating from this, because the latest press release writes that they have transformed into a hybrid carrier. The classic concept is still offered under the mainline brand and some routes are operated as low-cost airlines. These are then operated by Uzbekistan Express.